ARCHAIC WEAPONSMASTER

The fastest path into this advanced class is from the Strong hero basic class, though other paths are possible, in particular Fast heroes for those characters favoring archaic ranged weapons such as bows and crossbows.

Requirements

To qualify to become an Archaic Weaponsmaster, a character must fulfill the following criteria.

At 2nd level, the Archaic Weaponsmaster may treat any archaic weapon she wields and has Weapon Focus with as a +1 magic weapon for purposes of striking creatures with damage reduction. This does not grant the weapon a +1 bonus, but only allows it to circumvent damage reduction.

At 8th level, the Archaic Weaponsmaster may treat any archaic weapon she wields and has Weapon Specialization with as a +2 magic weapon for purposes of striking creatures with damage reduction. This does not grant the weapon a +2 bonus, but only allows it to circumvent damage reduction.

Bonus Feats

At 3rd, 6th, and 9th levels, the Archaic Weaponsmaster gets a bonus feat. The bonus feat must be selected from the following list, and the Archaic Weaponsmaster must meet all of the prerequisites for the feat to select it.

At 4th level, the Archaic Weaponsmaster gains the ability to draw her weapon as a free action. This applies only to the weapons for which the Archaic Weaponsmaster has Weapon Specialization.

Expert In Your Field

At 5th level, the Archaic Weaponsmaster is considered to be a master of her particular weapon, whether this is as a scholar with a detailed knowledge of the weapon's history, or as a practitioner, such as a professional archer. Starting with 5th level, the Archaic Weaponsmaster gains a circumstance bonus equal to her Reputation bonus on skill checks that are directly involved with her knowledge and proficiency with the weapon. Such skills would include applicable Knowledge skills, as well as such social skills as Intimidate and Bluff.

The Archaic Weaponsmaster increases her threat range by one when using an archaic weapon with which she has Weapons Specialization. A weapon that would threaten a critical on 20 would now do so on a 19 or 20, and one which threatens on a 19 or 20 would now do so on an 18 to 20. This ability works with other abilities that increase threat ranges.